Flood Mapping Tool Expands to Cover 60% of U.S. Population

A mapping tool designed to provide flood information to forecasters and communities has significantly expanded its coverage. The National Weather Service announced that the tool now serves 60% of the U.S. population, doubling its previous reach.

The Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) tool offers Google Earth-like visualizations of floodwaters, both current and forecasted, impacting neighborhoods across the country. Developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the parent agency of the Weather Service, the tool is designed to aid in emergency weather forecasting, particularly during flood events.

This interactive online tool allows users to explore their regions, cities, and neighborhoods to access flood forecasts and observations. The mapping interface is updated almost in real-time, assisting Weather Service forecasters in issuing flood watches and warnings.

The tool's rollout began in 2023, initially covering approximately 10% of the U.S. population. It expanded to 30% last September. Some local forecast offices have been using the tool for up to two years, while others have had access for one year, depending on their location.

An example of the tool's capabilities was shared on social media, showcasing a simulated flood scenario along the Tug Fork River in Warfield, Kentucky. This simulation aided local emergency teams in deploying the National Guard and evacuating residents before floodwaters entered their homes.

Initially available to forecasting offices in specific regions, the tool's coverage has grown to encompass much larger areas, including the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, Mississippi Valley, and Pacific Northwest regions, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The latest expansion provides access to the map's services in the Great Plains, interior Southeast, Southwest, and West Coast. It now also covers Hawaii and parts of Alaska, including areas prone to severe flooding.

According to David Vallee of NOAA's National Water Center, the expansion of the FIM tool is crucial for providing real-time information to emergency and water resource managers. It will also enhance the delivery of impact-based decision support services to partners working to keep Americans safe.

The tool is slated for full activation across the U.S. next year. This will include 110,000 river miles near the Weather Service's river forecast centers and cover over 3.6 million miles of rivers monitored by the National Water Model.

Improving communication during weather emergencies, such as the recent floods in Texas, is a key focus, especially during the current hurricane season.